Software Center does not allow me to set policies. For example, if the mono-runtime environment is not allowed where I am working I am unable to block applications that require it. I need to the ability to set policies in software center. At the very least, it should warn me that it is about to install a runtime environment and allow me to make a decision. Until then I am forced to use Synaptic as that will at least let me view a list of the packages it wants to install.
ProblemType: Bug
DistroRelease: Ubuntu 11.10
Package: software-center 4.1.23.7
ProcVersionSignature: hostname 3.0.0-12.19-generic 3.0.4
Uname: Linux 3.0.0-12-generic i686
ApportVersion: 1.23-0ubuntu2
Architecture: i386
Date: Thu Sep 29 16:15:19 2011
InstallationMedia: Ubuntu 11.04 "Natty Narwhal" - Release i386 (20110427.1)
PackageArchitecture: all
ProcEnviron:
LANG=en_US.UTF-8
SHELL=/bin/bash
SourcePackage: software-center
UpgradeStatus: Upgraded to oneiric on 2011-09-23 (6 days ago)
Any policy would need to be set at the apt or even dpkg level -- otherwise people could use apt-get, or download and dpkg install individual packages, without using USC at all.
However, you're right that USC would be the right place to provide the configuration interface. Or even if the full policy is presented in Software Sources, USC should let you (for example) blacklist a particular package that you're looking at.
What would help now is more use cases. For example, a workplace where you can install anything that isn't in the Games category. Or letting your children install anything that has a particular age rating.